Simca F594 – Photos & Videos

Simca F594
Paese	Francia
digitare	Camion leggero
Produzione	1950-1960
Costruito	Inconsapevole

Le Ford Simca Unic Cargo is a light truck designed by Ford SAF in 1948. The prototype was presented at the Paris Motor Show in October 1949 and was manufactured and marketed under several different names.

fonte: Simca F594 on Wikipedia

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The Simca F594 is a notable French truck that gained prominence primarily in military service, though it was derived from a civilian design. It’s part of the broader “Simca Cargo” family, which originated with Ford SAF before Simca took over its French operations.

Development and Background

• Ford SAF Origins: The roots of the F594 trace back to a civilian truck designed by Ford SAF (Ford France) in 1948, known as the “Cargo.”
• Simca Acquisition: In 1954, Simca acquired Ford France, and subsequently, the production of the Cargo truck line continued under the Simca brand.
• Military Contract: The French Army sought a cost-effective solution to modernize its truck fleet, and Simca won the contract, leading to the development of military versions based on the civilian Cargo, including the F594.
• 4×4 Version: The F594 specifically refers to the 4×4 (four-wheel drive) variant of the Simca Cargo, adapted for military use with enhanced off-road capabilities. There was also a 4×2 version, the F569.
• Production: Production of the military versions of the Simca Cargo (including F594) ran from 1955 to 1966, with over 14,000 units of the 4×4 variant produced, significantly outnumbering the civilian models.

Key Features and Design

• Motore: The F594 was typically powered by a Ford-derived V8 gasoline (petrol) engine, specifically the Ford V8 F9 (also known as the Simca F6 CWM). This 3.9-liter (3923 cc) V8 engine produced around 85 horsepower SAE (though some sources mention 100 hp at 3800 rpm).
• Trasmissione: As a 4×4 vehicle, it featured all-wheel drive, making it suitable for rough terrain. It had a 4-speed manual gearbox, often complemented by an auxiliary transfer case for high and low gearing (4F1Rx2), enhancing its off-road performance.
• Payload Capacity: The F594 4×4 had a maximum payload capacity of 3 tonnes (3,000 kg) in off-road conditions and could carry up to 5 tonnes on paved roads. It could transport approximately 20 equipped soldiers.
• Dimensioni:
  • Length: Approximately 6.78 meters (22.24 ft)
  • Width: Approximately 2.30 meters (7.55 ft)
  • Height (with canvas cover): Approximately 3.22 meters (10.56 ft)
  • Empty weight: Around 4,745 kg.
• Cab Design: The driver’s cab was a conventional design, seating two people. It featured a partially steel cabin with a removable canvas roof. Notably, the windshield could be folded down onto the hood, reducing the vehicle’s height for easier transport or concealment.
• Versatility: The F594 chassis was highly versatile, allowing for various body configurations:
  • Cargo (Plateau, Ridelles, Bâché – PRB): The most common version, with a flatbed, drop sides, and a canvas cover for transporting troops and general supplies.
  • Atelier (Workshop): Mobile maintenance and repair units.
  • Fourgon (Van): Enclosed versions used as mobile offices or command vehicles.
  • Dépanneuse (Recovery/Tow Truck): Equipped with a crane for vehicle recovery.
  • Other specialized uses like fire trucks or even driver training vehicles with dual controls.
• “Tout Chemin” Capability: While 4×4, it was often described as a “camion tous chemins” (all-road truck) rather than “tous terrains” (all-terrain), indicating its good performance on unpaved roads and light off-road conditions, but perhaps not extreme terrain.

Storia operativa

• French Army Service: The Simca F594 entered widespread service with the French Army in the mid-1950s. It became a familiar sight in various military units across France and its overseas territories.
• Algerian War: The F594 saw significant service during the Algerian War (1954-1962), where its ruggedness and 4×4 capability were valuable for operating in diverse North African terrains.
• Long Service Life: The F594 remained in active service with the French Army for several decades, even into the 1980s and early 1990s, often serving alongside more modern vehicles. Some were used as training vehicles.
• Export: While primarily associated with the French military, some variants may have seen limited export or civilian use.

Eredità

The Simca F594 holds a significant place in French military logistics history. Its reliable performance, robust construction, and adaptability made it a highly effective and long-serving truck for the French armed forces. It embodies the post-war efforts to re-equip and modernize the French military with indigenous designs.